Tesla builds world's biggest battery in Australian Outback

Dec 1, 2017

World's biggest lithium-ion battery plugged into an Australian state grid

ADELAIDE, Australia — The world's biggest lithium-ion battery has plugged into an Australian state grid, delivering on a promise by Tesla Inc. chief executive Elon Musk.

Musk said he would build the 100-megawatt battery within 100 days of contracts for the project being signed at the end of September or hand it over to the South Australia state government for free.

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill said Friday the battery had begun dispatching power to the state grid Thursday, providing 70 megawatts as temperatures rose above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit)

The official launch came a little over 60 days after the deal was signed. But crucially, it came on the first day of the Australian summer — the season when power usage soars due to use of air-conditioning.

More News

The superchip genius or the big name wildcard? Eight contenders to replace Huang as Nvidia’s CEO
Nov 15, 2026
The superchip genius or the big name wildcard? Eight contenders to replace Huang as Nvidia’s CEO

Nvidia chief Jensen Huang has resigned from the chipmaker he co-founded after reports of extramarital affairs made the spotlight.

ASX set for flat start, Nvidia scandal weighs on Wall Street
Nov 15, 2026
ASX set for flat start, Nvidia scandal weighs on Wall Street

US stocks closed lower as a pullback in big AI-focused companies weighed on the market, capping a turbulent week on Wall Street.

The real pain from rising interest rates is yet to come
Nov 15, 2026
The real pain from rising interest rates is yet to come

The number of borrowers who are behind on their mortgage payments is rising, and it’s likely to climb further as rate hikes bite.

Coalition threat to sink gas reform triggers rare industry backlash
Nov 15, 2026
Coalition threat to sink gas reform triggers rare industry backlash

A broad alliance of business chiefs and unions has mounted a last-minute push for the Coalition to pass Labor’s domestic gas-reservation laws.

A new fast-food giant is coming to Australia. Its unusual ingredients aren’t the only talking point
Nov 15, 2026
A new fast-food giant is coming to Australia. Its unusual ingredients aren’t the only talking point

A new chain will enter Australia’s crowded fast-food chicken market after wowing Anthony Albanese at one of its Manila stores. We put some of its dishes to the test.

Wall Street’s wild Nvidia ride delivers big paydays and even bigger bruises
Nov 15, 2026
Wall Street’s wild Nvidia ride delivers big paydays and even bigger bruises

Investors are doubling down on speculative wagers that have delivered both spectacular gains and crushing losses this year.

Inside Boeing’s mission to rebuild trust in the 737 after years of turbulence
Nov 15, 2026
Inside Boeing’s mission to rebuild trust in the 737 after years of turbulence

In the airline industry, attention to detail is everything. Boeing’s recovery is tied to reforms on its manufacturing floor in Washington.

Commercial childcare is hitting a brick wall. Who will pick up the pieces?
Nov 15, 2026
Commercial childcare is hitting a brick wall. Who will pick up the pieces?

Australia’s largest childcare provider has signalled its intent to surrender to a lowball private equity bid as other for-profit providers collapse in record numbers.

‘I don’t care’: Inside Jensen Huang’s last hours as Nvidia CEO
Nov 14, 2026
‘I don’t care’: Inside Jensen Huang’s last hours as Nvidia CEO

At the end, Jensen Huang looked broken and shattered, his legendary energy depleted.

I worked part-time at David Jones. I know exactly why the business failed
Nov 13, 2026
I worked part-time at David Jones. I know exactly why the business failed

Lift operators, bra fitters and lying sales assistants – I mourn you all.

How Elon Musk drove the Cybertruck and Tesla’s ambitions off a cliff
Nov 13, 2026
How Elon Musk drove the Cybertruck and Tesla’s ambitions off a cliff

Elon Musk’s passion project crashed and burned. Its demise carries a lot of weight,

M.J. Bale axed its retail boss while she was on maternity leave. Now she’s fighting back
Nov 13, 2026
M.J. Bale axed its retail boss while she was on maternity leave. Now she’s fighting back

The Australian menswear retailer made its high-flying retail boss redundant days before her scheduled return from parental leave.